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Hindu monks serve papers on RSPCA | Hindu monks serve papers on RSPCA |
(40 minutes later) | |
Hindu monks are to sue the RSPCA over the killing of a sacred cow at a Hertfordshire temple. | Hindu monks are to sue the RSPCA over the killing of a sacred cow at a Hertfordshire temple. |
Six monks walked into the charity's HQ in Horsham, West Sussex, to serve them with papers to start legal proceedings over the death of Gangotri. | Six monks walked into the charity's HQ in Horsham, West Sussex, to serve them with papers to start legal proceedings over the death of Gangotri. |
The Belgian blue-jersey cross was kept at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple, Watford. | The Belgian blue-jersey cross was kept at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple, Watford. |
The monks claim while they were praying, an RSPCA vet put the cow down, last December. An RSPCA spokesman said they avoided worship times. | The monks claim while they were praying, an RSPCA vet put the cow down, last December. An RSPCA spokesman said they avoided worship times. |
However, campaigners claim the killing was illegal and took place while members of Europe's largest Hindu temple were at worship. | However, campaigners claim the killing was illegal and took place while members of Europe's largest Hindu temple were at worship. |
The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed Temple president Gauri das | The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed Temple president Gauri das |
Standing outside the charity's reception, Gauri das, temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: "The RSPCA unlawfully trespassed on temple property and unlawfully trespassed on the life of a cow. | Standing outside the charity's reception, Gauri das, temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: "The RSPCA unlawfully trespassed on temple property and unlawfully trespassed on the life of a cow. |
"The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed. | "The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed. |
"We are asking the RSPCA to accept full liability for this act. They deceived us and should accept responsibility, otherwise we will be forced to sue," he added. | "We are asking the RSPCA to accept full liability for this act. They deceived us and should accept responsibility, otherwise we will be forced to sue," he added. |
Cows are sacred to followers of the Hindu religion, and the killing of one is considered sacrilege. | Cows are sacred to followers of the Hindu religion, and the killing of one is considered sacrilege. |
The RSPCA state they informed staff what would happen and avoided killing the cow during prayer hours. | The RSPCA state they informed staff what would happen and avoided killing the cow during prayer hours. |
At the time of her death, Gangotri had been injured for more than a year and suffered from bed sores because she could no longer stand. | At the time of her death, Gangotri had been injured for more than a year and suffered from bed sores because she could no longer stand. |
An RSPCA spokesman said the 13-year-old cow was suffering and added vets had advised the she should be put down. | |
John Rolls, of the RSPCA, said: "We acted properly, within the law, but clearly they are of a different opinion. I think the issue could be addressed through dialogue rather than the courts and it is unfortunate they are taking this action." | John Rolls, of the RSPCA, said: "We acted properly, within the law, but clearly they are of a different opinion. I think the issue could be addressed through dialogue rather than the courts and it is unfortunate they are taking this action." |
Mr Rolls said the RSPCA was brought in by a veterinary surgeon who was concerned Gangotri was suffering and this was confirmed by two independent vets. | Mr Rolls said the RSPCA was brought in by a veterinary surgeon who was concerned Gangotri was suffering and this was confirmed by two independent vets. |